To Strange Horizons

Chapter One.

Mariana tripped over pebbles on the dark cobblestone road. She held her gown up as to not fall, glancing behind her as she made her way quickly across town.

A poorly packed getaway bag swung around on her shoulder.

She made it to the pier, dropping to her knees in defeat as she realized there was nowhere else to go.

For a second, she considered going back. This idea was quickly dismissed. She'd surely be locked up for her betrayal.

She stared into the black water, allowing a few tears to roll down her cheeks.

"Aye, miss." A raspy voice sounded behind her. "You lost?"

Mariana looked up, meeting eyes with two grimey men.

"What are you doing out here, your highness?" The younger of the two asked. They both had bags swung over their shoulders.

"I can't go back." She cried.

The two men looked at each other, whispering to one another, before turning back to face the princess.

"I'm sure Captain would love to have you." The older man chuckled. "You can come with us, if you want."

Oh great. Mari thought. Some nasty old man on a pirate ship would love to have me.

But what choice did she have?

With an unsure nod, Mariana climbed to her feet. The men helped her into the rowboat they had pulled ashore, beginning their paddle out to sea.

The small talk was unbearable, but at least she had learned their names.

The younger man was Thomas, the older one John.

The air became thick with fog, near blinding if it wasn't for the fires lit on the ship.

It was massive. Mariana had never been this close to a boat this size. She stared in awe.

"Well, go on, Lassie!" John gestures towards the ship. Thomas was halfway up the rope ladder on the side.

"Oh no." She muttered.

"I can leave you the oars, or you can climb, but I'm not sittin' here all night!"

With a deep breath, she began her ascent.

Thomas pulled her up by her hands when she reached the top, holding her steady as she gained her sea legs.

He was very polite. A soft personality that she had grown a sense of safety with.

She knew that not all pirates were bad, some just need a means of survival. Especially in her family's economy.

"You can sleep in my hammock tonight, Your Highness. I'll find somewhere cozy." He held her hand, keeping her steady as they made their way downstairs.

She thanked him, giving his hand a squeeze before climbing into the low hanging hammock (amongst all the others in the big, musty room.)

Her gown didn't fit, leaving her frightened and uncomfortable. Thomas made himself a spot on the floor right next to her, giving her hand a squeeze every once in a while to remind her that she was okay.

She barely slept. The commotion of the crew climbing around in the room woke her from her slight nap.

"Aye! She's awake!" John cheered.

The crew stared at her with confusion and excitement. She felt very uncomfortable.

"Thomas! Take this young woman to the Captain." He pat Thomas hard on his back.

Thomas helped Mari out of the hammock, making everyone form a path to lead her out of the bunks.

"You'll like the captain." He unbunched the back of her gown as they walked across the deck. "He's very kind, unlike his father."

"Who is his father?" Mariana adjusted the small tiara atop her thick black hair, thanking God that it made it through the night.

"The captain before him. He passed this last winter, leaving the ship and crew to Jake."

They finally made their way to the helm, standing there was a man in a black coat with long brown hair covered by a hat. His back was turned to them as he watched the ocean.

"G'Morning, Captain." Thomas called.

"Mornin' Tom!" The Captain did not turn. "How'd you sleep?"

"Very well! And you?" The two walked closer.

"I'd say I slept fine. Any news, dear boy?"

His words made Mariana smile. He sounded and (from what she could tell) looked to be Thomas' age.

"Actually, Sir, big news." Thomas, stepped behind Mariana, holding his hands behind his back, waiting for the Captain to turn around.